We had our final baby shower this weekend here in California, and Hayden really got some beautiful things. We have all been so lucky to have such great family and friends who have gathered now in 3 states to throw showers for us. It really means a lot!! We went ahead and purchased everything else that we needed, so our baby shopping appears to be complete and we are ready for Hayden! The bassinet is set up in our room (that is a shock to wake up to), the carseat is installed, and the swing and stroller are all set up and just waiting for a baby :)
I am meeting with 2 birth doulas this weekend and I'm *very* excited for that. A doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a laboring mother. When a doula is present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, make more positive assessments of their babies, have fewer cesareans and requests for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression. Studies have shown that babies born with doulas present tend to have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries, breastfeed more easily and have more affectionate mothers in the postpartum period. Nathan and I are committed to having a natural childbirth, and we really think that with the help of a doula that we will be able to accomplish this goal!!
Hayden continues to make me grow ;) This past weekend it was HOT and that was uncomfy, but otherwise I'm doing really well. We have our next appointment on Wednesday so we should get an idea of how big he is, and if he is still breech (hoping not!). Here are some photos of my ever-expanding belly.
